The 2023/2024 U.S. National Youth Poet Laureate, Salome Agbaroji, returned to her roots in Nigeria, using her powerful poetry to build lasting connections and deepen the cultural ties between the United States of America and Nigeria.

Ms Agbaroji, a Nigerian-American poet celebrated for her compelling spoken word performances at the White House, the United Nations, and the Golden Globes Pre-Show, embarked on a nine-day cultural exchange tour across Nigeria as part of the U.S. Department of State’s Arts Envoy Program.

The first-year Harvard student, whose work explores themes of identity, heritage, and empowerment, returned to her ancestral roots in Nigeria, visiting Enugu and Lagos from July 21 to 29. 

In Enugu, Ms Agbaroji connected deeply with her Igbo heritage, visiting the Centre for Memories, a cultural repository dedicated to preserving the rich history of the Igbo people. 

She led a poetry workshop at the University of Nigeria’s Window on America, where she inspired young poets and creative enthusiasts through her insights and artistic expression. 

The workshop was followed by an evening of discussions and networking with Enugu’s vibrant creative community, where Ms Agbaroji’s words resonated deeply, igniting conversations on the role of poetry in cultural preservation.

In Lagos, Ms Agbaroji continued her mission of cultural exchange, engaging with young poets and spoken word artists through workshops, visits to the University of Lagos, and a poetry slam competition for high school students. 

The highlight of her visit was a powerful moderated conversation with Deborah Johnson, the 2022 Lagos International Poetry Festival Slam Champion. 

The event, which featured poem recitations and an open mic session, showcased the synergy between Nigerian and American poets and the shared passion for creative expression that transcends borders.

Audiences in both cities, comprising high school and university students, arts professors, including emerging and established poets were captivated by Ms Agbaroji’s work.

Her ability to relate to the Nigerian experience while bringing a fresh, global perspective to her poetry left a lasting impact on participants, encouraging them to pursue their creative dreams with renewed vigour.

Reminiscing on her experience, Ms Agbaroji expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to connect with Nigeria’s vibrant art scene. 

“I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to visit Nigeria for the first time through the Arts Envoy Program,” she said. 

“Watching a participant start a poem during our workshop, collaborate with others, and then perform it live at our open mic night was incredibly uplifting.”

Julie McKay, the U.S. Consulate’s Public Affairs Officer, emphasized the significance of cultural exchanges such as Ms Agbaroji’s visit, noting their role in fostering mutual understanding and freedom of expression.

 “One of the most empowering opportunities we can offer young people is a platform where their voices can be heard,” McKay remarked. “Poetry is an inspiring platform for youths to express their creativity and sense of self.”

Ms Agbaroji’s visit is part of the U.S. Mission in Nigeria’s broader effort to build deeper connections between Americans and Nigerians. 

Through these cultural exchanges, the U.S. Mission aims to encourage collaboration and exchange of ideas between the two nations, enriching both cultures in the process.